When Erik ten Hag arrived at Manchester United he immediately identified central midfield as his priority for the summer transfer window.
That is hardly surprising, considering the exodus which is about to occur. At the end of June, United will lose Paul Pogba, Nemanja Matic, Jesse Lingard and Juan Mata on free transfers when their contracts expire. Their departures, plus the poor form of others in that position over the miserable 2021/22 season, means new additions are a must in midfield.
Ten Hag has made Frenkie de Jong his priority target, but has been frustrated by Barcelona’s stance over selling the Dutchman. Barca want upwards of £70million for De Jong, while United are understood to be willing to pay an initial fee of around £60m, with a further £5m due in add-ons. That impasse is holding up other potential deals , meaning that with days to go until United begin their pre-season preparations, they are yet to bring in any new players for their manager.
